Featuring Kevin Cooper, bourbon extraordinaire and tobacconist at Route 7 Cigars, this episode of Burn & Learn: The Cigar Lifestyle Podcast delves into the complex and ever changing world of fine bourbon and pairings with cigars. The discussion is facilitated by our co-host Sid Fuchs.

In a pivot from our usual venue at Rebellion, I was honored to have a wonderful conversation with Dr. Brian D. Agnew at Brivado Cigars, his beautiful cigar lounge in Orange, NJ. During our conversation, Brian and I discussed his growth strategies for his boutique cigar line, as well as his cigar lounge. Marvin Pettus and Paul Murdock, Brian's long time friends and business associates, were also key contributors to the conversation. While smoking the Brivado double wrapped Barber Pole, we delved into how data analytics inform Brian's real time business decisions and how Brivado's members take advantage of everything that Brivado has to offer, especially an inviting space to build relationships, network and have a great time!

In this edition of Burn & Learn: The Cigar Lifestyle Podcast, we sat down with Manny Riaz, co-founder of Surpassion Cigars. While lighting up the Surpassion Valor, Manny walks us through the creation of his new company, including the blending process and the key relationships that he leveraged to bring his vision to reality. We also had an opportunity to discuss Manny’s plans for future Surpassion offerings.

Joining us on this episode of Burn & Learn: The Cigar Lifestyle Podcast is Mechelle Merkerson, a certified cigar sommelier, a cigar-focused content creator and a pioneer in the cigar education space through her educational series called Cigars With M. Sit back, light a cigar and join us as we chat about her focus on cigar education, her curated cigar events and general industry happenings.

In this episode of Burn & Learn: The Cigar Lifestyle Podcast, my long-time friend and mentor, Sid Fuchs, joins me as co-host. We were very excited to be joined by Teresa Wessling, Tobacconist extraordinaire at Georgetown Tobacco and a board member of the Premium Cigar Association (PCA). Check out this episode as we light up a couple of great cigars, delve into cigar sector trends, chat about the recent PCA show and discuss StogieHub’s evolution. We wrap up with a chat about PCA’s ongoing efforts to protect the premium cigar industry against overreaching legislation at the state and federal levels.

If you’re a cigar aficionado that enjoys the NFL, you won’twant to miss this episode of Burn & Learn: The Cigar Lifestyle Podcast. In this episode, our special guests include Kedric Golston, former Defensive Tackle for the Washington Redskins and Darryl Tapp, Defensive Line Coach for the Washington Commanders. While enjoying an Oliva Serie V Melanio, I had anopportunity to chat with these two former NFL teammates about their ascension from youth football to the NFL and into their current coaching careers. Be sure to tune in!

In episode 5 of the Burn & Learn podcast, we sit downand share a Davidoff Signature with Madison Casanova, a GenZer who tries herfirst cigar. During this episode, we share the cigar cutting and lightingritual with Maddy and get her thoughts on the experience, as well as her plansfor cigars going forward. As we’ve mentioned, our podcast is focused on sharinga great stick, having engaging conversation, but also imparting knowledge. Aswe teach Maddy how to cut, light and smoke a cigar, this episode provides greatinitial knowledge of the cigar experience. If you’re new to cigars and want tolearn how to properly cut and light, this episode is perfect for you.

In episode 4 of Burn & Learn, we had the honor of hostingZack Van Ginkel and Andray McCuien, the owners of HDA Cigars, a veteran-owned boutique cigar company. As our esteemed guests, we spent time discussing HDA’s currentcigar line and blending process, but also thanked them both for their service to our country. This episode was especially valuable, as Zack and Andray also spent time debunking the mystique around boutique cigar brands. This is definitely aconversation not to be missed!

In Episode 3 of Burn & Learn, Chris and I enjoyed having anopportunity to sit down with Justin Perroots, the General Manager of Rebellion Bourbon Bar & Kitchen, located in the heart of downtown Leesburg, VA. Specifically, we discussed the offerings and benefits of joining Rebellion Cigar Room, a private cigar lounge speakeasy on the third floor. This episodeis not to be missed as we discuss all that Rebellion has to offer, including special bourbon tastings and other awesome members-only events. Don’t miss it!

In this inaugural episode of Burn & Learn, we discuss the intent of our new podcast and introduce StogieHub, the new cigar venture and company affiliated with Burn & Learn.